Effects of physical activity on quality of life and anthropometric parameters in inactive women of the likan antai indigenous community of northern Chile

Abstract: Introduction: Women present significant changes throughout life that affect levels of physical activity (PA) and quality of life. Despite there being numerous studies on PA and its relationship with quality of life and anthropometric parameters. There is little evidence in adult women between 20 and 50 years old and even less about the effects of a PA program in women of the Likan Antai ethnic group, the town of San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile. Objectives: Determine the effects of physical activity on anthropometric parameters and quality of life in sedentary women of the Likan Antai ethnic group from northern Chile. Methods: Twelve women voluntarily participated in a PA program, with body mass, height, BMI and % body fat evaluated before and after the intervention. To evaluate the perception of quality of life, the WHOQOL BREF Questionnaire was applied. Results and discussion: The results show that PA significantly reduced the values of body mass and % fat, without significant changes in BMI, heart rate and blood pressure. Regarding the perception of quality of life, significant improvements were observed in the perception of physical health, without changes in the psychological, environmental, and social domains. Conclusions: The PA program was efficient in reducing body mass, % fat and improving the perception of quality of life associated with the Physical Health of women of the Likan Antai ethnic group.